ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Most educators and leaders feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI—yet some districts are boldly pioneering its integration into learning. What if you could turn that uncertainty into a powerful opportunity? In this episode, Carl Mohn, Director of AI and Applied Learning at Longview ISD, shares how his district is navigating the ever-changing AI landscape with a proactive, growth-oriented mindset...

Hawaii is a scientific goldmine—home to some of the world's most cutting-edge reef research, volcano monitoring, and climate science. Marine biologist John Burns pulls back the curtain on the islands' natural laboratories, from new reefs born in the wake of lava flows to remote ocean sensors tracking climate change in real time. Discover how 3D coral mapping and autonomous underwater drones are re...

Keith Schacht, co-creator of Mystery Science, shares his journey building impactful edtech tools including what failure taught him along the way. The conversation covers how timing and execution drive market breakthroughs, why honesty and humility matter in startup culture, and how student curiosity became the foundation for designing compelling science lessons for elementary learners. The episode...

Unlock the secrets of Hawaii's indigenous science and discover how ancient navigators mastered the stars to voyage across vast oceans without GPS. In this episode, Dr. Leilani Nerveza-Clark shares how native Hawaiian navigators relied on star compasses, environmental cues, and deep observational skills, and how these age-old techniques remain powerfully relevant today as lessons in mindfulness, ec...

Most people overlook Hawaii's cutting-edge science — but not our guest, Lauren Kaupp. She reveals how the islands are a global scientific powerhouse, with research from volcanoes to coral reefs that will blow your mind. Whether you're a teacher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode uncovers the extraordinary science happening right in Hawaii's backyard and why it should inspire your next a...

Coral Zayas, a K-5 science and inquiry-based learning expert, reveals how building strong foundational skills in elementary school can prevent the cascading gaps that hold students back in later grades. She shares her framework for teaching physical, life, and earth science in ways that spark curiosity and foster real-world problem solving—including three types of project-based learning and how to...

Great teachers know that every student learns differently—and many are already finding creative ways to personalize learning within their classrooms. So what happens when you shrink the class size way down and rethink the structure from the ground up? In this episode, Kaity Broadbent, co-founder of Prenda, takes us inside the world of micro schooling—small, community-based learning environments ga...

Unlock the secrets to navigating AI in education and beyond—this episode reveals how mastering clear communication, purposeful questioning, and strategic tech use can transform learning and teaching. If you're a teacher, school leader, parent, or curious learner feeling overwhelmed by AI's rapid rise, this episode is your essential guide to turning challenges into opportunities. Kip Glazer, a visi...

What if your classroom could be a launchpad for the next generation of engineers, inventors, and community problem-solvers? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Bryan Silver, the 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year and an engineering and robotics teacher at Kalani High School in Honolulu. Over more than 17 years in the classroom, Bryan has transformed how students experience science — thr...

Dr. Bryan Frenette, a high school science teacher and former researcher, shares his journey and insights into creating engaging and inclusive science classrooms. He discusses the transition from research to teaching, emphasizing the challenges and strategies involved in managing classroom chaos and fostering an effective learning environment. Bryan highlights the importance of hands-on learning wi...

Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of Smartlab, and Dave from The PocketLab delve into the transformative power of STEM education in K-12 settings. They discuss the importance of fostering a STEM identity among students, emphasizing that it's not just about mastering technology but about cultivating a sense of belonging and confidence in tackling rigorous challenges. Dr. Berry shares insights from her experi...

Join Miles O'Brien and Dave as they embark on a thrilling scientific expedition to Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, one of the most significant glaciers on Earth. Miles is getting ready to host us virtually for a virtual field trip for your students. Sign up link below! In this episode, they delve into the innovative methods used to study the glacier's melting patterns, including the use of icebreak...

The Hip Hop MD, Maynard Okereke, and Dave delve into the world of STEM education and its impact on young minds. With a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity, they discuss innovative ways to inspire students through hands-on experiments and real-world problem-solving. Maynard shares insights from his experiences at STEM festivals and competitions, highlighting the incredible potential of stud...

Join Code.org and us on an exciting journey into the world of AI and computer science education with Anchal Sayal! In this episode, we explore how Code.org is revolutionizing the way students from kindergarten to 12th grade engage with technology. Discover how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. Anchal shares her insights on the importance of...

Join Steve Spangler and Dave from The PocketLab as they delve into the art of making science accessible and exciting for K-12 students. Steve shares his journey from being inspired by his high school chemistry teacher to becoming a renowned science communicator. He emphasizes the importance of presentation in teaching, drawing parallels between magic and science to captivate students' curiosity. T...

Director of Education, Jason Singh and our host, Dave, discuss the integration of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of simple phenomena in teaching, the potential of AI tools for educators, and the challenges of maintaining academic integrity and privacy. They explore effective prompting techniques for AI, the rapid evolution of AI tools, and the manageable learning curve for educators....

Guy Kawasaki sits down with Dave to discuss the intersection of technology, education, and personal growth. Guy shares his unique perspective on how his upbringing in Hawaii, with its rich cultural tapestry and values of Aloha and Ohana, has influenced his approach to life and business. The discussion delves into the critical role of education in shaping future innovators, the challenges faced by...

STEM City host and emergency room doctor, Dr. Owais Durrani and Dave from The PocketLab embark on a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic world of STEM education and its intersection with technology. The conversation kicks off with Owais sharing his unique journey from the medical field to becoming a media personality, driven by a passion to make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging for y...

With our special guests (Becky Mueller) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (think car crash tests) and Science Coordinator (Lisa Milan) for Pittsburgh Public Schools, we delve into the transformative impact of integrating real-world experiences into classroom curriculum. Discover how educators are bridging the gap between theory and practice, bringing lessons to life with hands-on lea...

Former award winning teacher and expert curriculum writer, Matthew Schmidt and Dave from The PocketLab explore the dynamic intersection of education and technology. They kick off with a light-hearted discussion on how virtual meetings have redefined our sense of connection, especially in a post-pandemic world. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and opportunities in modern education, hi...

Explore the intersection of AI and literature with our guest John Suchocki from Conceptual Academy. John's experience co-authoring a novel with AI sheds light on some interesting observations. They delve into the implications of AI in education, the importance of AI literacy, and the evolving role of teachers in a technology-driven world. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations...

Intellectual property Lawyer Amanda Conley has an interesting perspective on Ai and all the legal considerations an educator needs to be aware of. In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of AI in education, exploring its potential to revolutionize learning environments. Join us as we discuss the latest trends from major ed-tech conferences, the legal intricacies of AI-generated conte...

Fulbright teacher and National Geographic educator, Lisa Werner shares her transformative experiences as a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms Fellow in Senegal, highlighting the stark differences and surprising similarities in educational practices. She discusses the importance of community, connection, and the role of technology in education, while also exploring the intersection of music an...

MIT Professor Alan Lightman discusses his PBS documentary series 'Searching Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,' which explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of integrating humanities into science education to foster critical thinking and reflection among students. Lightman shares insights on the challenges of engaging modern stude...

Dr. Scott Miller from Charity Water joins us and discusses the organization's mission to provide clean and safe drinking water to everyone globally. He highlights the staggering statistics of the water crisis, the technological and financial challenges involved, and the innovative solutions being implemented. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement in ad...